CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) -- To mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, the Department of Energy Visayas Field Office (DOE-VFO) is stepping up its El Niño mitigation efforts while also implementing critical energy security initiatives.
During the Regional Task Force El Niño Coordination Meeting led by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 7 (RDRRMC-7), DOE reported that they are closely observing the prompt completion of power generation and transmission projects with the aim of improving the reliability of the power supply in the Visayas.
They have also built emergency power backup solutions, such as modular generator sets for vital infrastructure and medical facilities and evacuation sites to guarantee power continuity.
The department has previously taken care of the right-of-way and security concerns in the energy facilities, secured the effective distribution of power supplies, and secured the power distribution and energy facilities.
DOE has also issued Administrative Order No. 15, which directs the expedited implementation of the Government Enhancement Management Program (GEMP).
The energy department is actively pushing the development and application of energy conservation and efficiency technologies that can drastically reduce energy consumption.
DOE has conducted spot checks in 76 municipalities and energy audits in 48 out of the 136 municipalities in the region as part of its GEMP monitoring and compliance efforts in Central Visayas.
Furthermore, the agency will issue an advisory to the Distribution Utilities (DUs) instructing them to create their own El Niño action plans, particularly in areas that are expected to be severely affected by the dry spell and drought.
The DUs are required to consolidate information on vital infrastructure or amenities for each feeder line within their franchise area.
DOE is the lead agency of the Energy Security Sector of the Regional El Niño Task Force.
Based on the latest weather advisory update from PAGASA, El Niño is expected to continue and show signs of weakening in the coming months. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu with reports from DOE Visayas)
